Does Getting a Cavity Filled Hurt?

Dental Fillings

What is a dental filling?

Fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth to their natural appearance and function. Dentists may recommend dental fillings for minor tooth decay (cavities), damaged or misshaped teeth, or other dental issues. Popular types of fillings include tooth-colored composite, silver amalgam, gold alloy, and glass ionomer cement.

What will a dentist do for a cavity?

Dentists usually use numbing anesthetic to make you comfortable throughout the dental procedure. All decay and weakened tooth structure is removed to prepare for the filling material. Filling material is placed and polished so that it is smooth and comfortable with your bite. Talk with your dentist about what you can expect with fillings before and after the procedure.

Do fillings hurt? The short answer is no. Some individuals may experience some discomfort temporarily, which tends to dissipate on its own after a few days to a week.

How much does it cost to fix a cavity? On average, a dental cavity costs between $200-$600 without dental insurance. However, the price can vary based on factors like the type of filling material used, size of the cavity, number of fillings needed, and location of your dentist. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage on average up to 80% for fillings.

Benefits of Dental Fillings:

There are many positives to dental fillings. If you suffer from tooth decay, damage, staining, or other dental issues, your dentist may recommend dental fillings so that you can reap these amazing benefits:

  • Repair Tooth Damage: Teeth that become minimally decayed or cracked may be restored with dental fillings to proper strength.
  • Restore Function: By repairing the structure of your tooth, a dental filling will restore your ability to chew, speak, and function naturally.
  • Enhance Smile Appearance: Several types of dental fillings use tooth-colored materials that are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. Fillings can be used for cosmetic purposes to treat teeth that are discolored, misshaped, minimally misaligned, or to fill minor gaps between teeth.
  • Protect Teeth from Future Harm: Dental fillings replace tooth decay and seal it off from harmful debris and bacteria.
  • Long Lasting and Cost Efficient: Dental fillings can be an affordable dental treatment option that produces long-lasting results. In many cases, fillings can last from 10-20 years. Not to mention, many dental insurances cover a large percentage of the cost of a filling.

Are Cavity Fillings Painful?

A question that may be on the top of your mind is, ‘does getting a cavity-filled hurt?’ Good news, most individuals do not feel any pain associated with cavity fillings. Slight discomfort may occur, however your dental professional can minimize pain during the procedure by using local anesthetic to numb the area. Some dentists may even offer sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, to help you relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure.

What Factors Influence the Discomfort of a Filling?

You may experience some discomfort temporarily after a filling procedure, which can be influenced by:

Cavity Size and Depth

Cavities that are larger in size and deeper into the inner layers of teeth may cause greater post-op sensitivity. Larger and deeper cavities are often closer to the tooth’s nerve endings, which can be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and cause discomfort.

Cavity Placement

The location of the filling in the mouth may cause some discomfort. For instance, cavities in teeth located towards the back of the mouth may be harder to access, leading to greater jaw opening and the potential for jaw fatigue and discomfort.

Quantity of Cavities

Your dentist may recommend filling more than one cavity during a procedure. This may require some additional treatment time, which may create some discomfort from having your mouth open. The area around the teeth may also be sensitive temporarily after the procedure.

What Are the Different Types of Fillings?

Four common types of dental fillings include tooth-colored composite, silver amalgam, gold alloy, and glass ionomer cement. Here’s more info:

Tooth-Colored Composite

Cavity fillings on front teeth often use tooth-colored composite to make them blend naturally with your smile. With proper care, composite fillings typically last between 5-7 years.

Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam fillings are commonly composed of mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper. The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains its stance that the low concentration of mercury does not pose adverse health effects and that the material is safe and effective for cavity fillings. Amalgam is known for its durability and may last greater than 15 years on average.

Gold Alloy

Another highly durable filling material is gold alloy, lasting on average between 15-30 years with proper care. These restorations are usually placed on teeth located towards the back of the mouth due to their visible appearance.

Glass Ionomer Cement

Glass ionomer fillings can resemble your natural tooth color much like composite fillings. They also have the benefit of releasing fluoride to help prevent cavities. However, glass ionomer fillings are normally used as temporary fillings, especially in children, as they have limited durability.

Dental Filling Procedure

So, how do they fill cavities between teeth? Filling a cavity procedure involves a few simple steps. In many cases, dentists start the procedure by using a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth for comfort. Using special dental equipment, your dentist will remove decay and reshape the tooth to prepare for the filling material. Next, the dental filling material will be placed into the prepared tooth. If composite resin is used, a dental curing light will be used to harden the material. After your filling is placed, your dentist will polish the filling to ensure that it is smooth and adjusted properly to your bite.

What Numbing Options Are Available?

Dental anesthetics can help block pain signals during your cavity filling procedure. Common numbing anesthetics include lidocaine, benzocaine, and epinephrine.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a common anesthetic used in dentistry that acts fast and wears off within approximately 2 hours. Lidocaine is a type of local anesthesia, which is gently injected into your oral tissues to reduce pain and discomfort.

Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a type of topical anesthetic that is placed on the gums to numb the area for pain relief. Benzocaine is typically less potent than lidocaine, and is commonly sold under the brand name Orajel.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is often added to dental local anesthetics for better efficacy and so that the pain relief can last longer. Epinephrine helps constrict blood vessels, resulting in less bleeding and greater comfort. Epinephrine is commonly added to lidocaine. Whereas, benzocaine does not contain epinephrine.

Post-Filling Care

Once your filling is done, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist. You’ll want to continue your regular brushing and flossing routine, using only gentle pressure on your teeth. Unless instructed otherwise, you will be able to eat immediately after a filling. When eating, consume healthy foods full of vitamins and minerals while temporarily avoiding sticky, chewy, hard, or very hot or cold foods and beverages. If you experience any pain or sensitivity, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the discomfort. Your dentist will evaluate your filling at your follow-up appointment or regular check-up.

How Much Time Does a Filling Procedure Take?

On average a cavity filling takes 20 minutes to an hour to complete. But, how long does it take to fill two cavities? The procedure may take longer for cases involving multiple teeth or greater complexity.

Pain Relief and Recovery Tips

After getting a cavity filling, you’ll want to follow these simple tips for pain relief and recovery:

Steer Clear of Very Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks

To avoid sensitivity, temporarily avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks immediately following a filling.

Stick to Soft Foods

Eat softer foods (i.e. mashed potatoes, noodles, yogurt) for the first couple days after getting a filling. Temporarily avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy, which can damage, dislodge, and/or place pressure on the filling.

Avoid Disturbing Your Filling

Do your best to avoid disturbing your filling. Continue to brush your teeth and floss regularly, being gentle around the cavity filling. If you have a teeth grinding habit, speak with your dentist about options to protect your teeth.